The Boards of Rightsnet (the UK’s leading social welfare law and access to justice website) and AdviceUK (the largest membership network of independent advice services in the UK) have announced they are exploring whether the two organisations should come together within AdviceUK’s existing group structure to sustain the much-valued services and support that Rightsnet provides for advice services.
Both charities recognise they have a strong track record of supporting advice services and the communities they serve and share the same values; focused on ensuring everyone can access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal or social welfare problems they face.
Terry Stokes, Chief Executive of Rightsnet, said:
“We’re excited by the opportunities that joining forces with AdviceUK would provide to build on the work that both organisations do in supporting access to justice across the UK.
“We already have a great working relationship, developed over many years, and believe that our coming together would provide a great platform to consolidate and grow our respective range of services for the benefit of the UK’s advice sector and the people it serves.”
Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of AdviceUK, continued:
“So many of our members rely on Rightsnet and regularly use its online community that we could not imagine our sector without this service. We also recognise there is considerable alignment between the other support and services we both offer.
“AdviceUK’s Board is committed to exploring working with Rightsnet to ensure its support continues to be available despite the challenging funding circumstances that the UK’s advice sector is facing. I want to recognise the strong leadership of Terry and the Rightsnet Board in their commitment to this shared vision.“
Both charities are working with independent consultants who will produce a merger feasibility study by the end of the year. This will enable both Boards to decide if the proposed merger is viable to move forward with. The aim is to provide both organisations’ staff, volunteers, members, subscribers and other stakeholders with a further update in early 2026.
For media enquiries, please contact press@adviceuk.org.uk
Notes to editors:
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/about
https://www.adviceuk.org.uk/about
